Parks Canada shut down the system as scheduled this week, bringing the formal boating season to a close on the 24-lock system between Kingston and Ottawa.

From mid-October until mid-November, water levels in the Rideau Canal system, between Ottawa Locks and Burritt’s Rapids, will be decreased to winter storage levels by adjusting dams and spillways in the lower Rideau watershed. It is part of preparations for freeze up and to reduce the possibility of spring flooding. The following Rideau Canal sections will be affected:

Water levels will be decreased in the sections below Hog's Back, including Dow's Lake, beginning Tuesday, October 14 and will remain at their lowest level until Monday, November 3, after which the water level will then be raised approximately one metre between Hartwells and Ottawa lockstations to prepare for the Skateway.

Water levels will be lowered between Hog's Back to Black Rapids beginning Monday, October 20, 2014.

Water levels will be lowered between Long Island to Black Rapids beginning Monday, October 27, 2014.

Water levels will be lowered between Burritt's Rapids to Long Island beginning Monday, November 3, 2014.

That's a wrap, on the Rideau Canal

Parks Canada shut down the system as scheduled this week, bringing the formal boating season to a close on the 24-lock system between Kingston and Ottawa.

From mid-October until mid-November, water levels in the Rideau Canal system, between Ottawa Locks and Burritt’s Rapids, will be decreased to winter storage levels by adjusting dams and spillways in the lower Rideau watershed. It is part of preparations for freeze up and to reduce the possibility of spring flooding. The following Rideau Canal sections will be affected: